A HOMELESS hostel is being built in Widnes.

Halton Housing Trust in partnership with Halton Council is constructing 39 self-contained homes on a site that has been disused in Albert Road for many years.

The scheme will provide homeless people with housing and on-site support for up to six months.

Halton Clr Ron Hignett, board member for the physical environment, said: “I’m delighted to see this derelict site being redeveloped at last, and particularly as the accommodation will provide a springboard to independent living for those who are unfortunate enough to be homeless.”

The hostel will not only provide much needed safe and secure accommodation for residents but will also support them to improve their living skills.

On-site staff will work closely with tenants, enabling them to move on to independent living as quickly as possible.

Work has started and the project is expected to be completed by March 2015.

Paul Mullane, the trust’s director of development and investment, said: “It’s fantastic news that we received planning and funding for the project as this will provided much need accommodation of this type in Halton.”

The scheme provides fully self-contained accommodation, a communal lounge, laundry room and some training facilities.

The construction of the scheme will be carried out by Dreaming Spires Nasitra Limited, which has carried out a number of similar developments in the Liverpool area.